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Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

This Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is a comforting family favorite that’s simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly. Perfect for using up leftover ham or a ham bone, it’s loaded with rich, hearty flavors and easy to prepare.

Start with Hurst’s® HamBeens® 15 Bean Soup®, a medley of beans that pairs perfectly with savory ham and aromatic vegetables. With no soaking required, this recipe is a time-saver that can simmer away in your slow cooker, filling your kitchen with irresistible homestyle goodness.

Ingredients for Ham and Bean Soup:

  • Beans: Use Hurst’s® HamBeens® 15 Bean Soup®, featuring a delicious mix like navy beans and great northern beans.
  • Seasoning: The included seasoning packet adds robust flavor, or swap it with bouillon, dried herbs, or bay leaves.
  • Ham: Use a leftover ham bone, ham hock, or chopped ham for rich, smoky depth. Smoked turkey works too!
  • Broth: A reduced-sodium broth balances the salty ham.
  • Vegetables: Canned tomatoes, celery, and carrots enhance the soup’s heartiness.

How to Make Ham and Bean Soup:

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the beans to remove debris and add them to the slow cooker with onions, ham, broth, and seasonings.
  2. Cook Low and Slow: Cook on high for 5 hours (or low for 7–8 hours) until the beans are tender.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Finish: Stir in tomatoes and any additional ingredients, then cook for another 30 minutes.

🍲 Tip: Wait to add acidic ingredients like canned tomatoes until the beans are fully softened to ensure even cooking.

Tips for the Best Bean Soup:

  • Rinse beans thoroughly and inspect for debris.
  • Adjust the liquid: Add extra broth for a thinner soup or blend a cup of beans for a thicker texture.
  • For soaked beans, reduce the liquid by 1 cup.

Storing Leftovers:

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Serve this warm, hearty soup with cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
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Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Recipe by snackonmeat
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 

This Ham and Bean Soup is the perfect comfort meal, requiring just a few minutes of prep and cooking effortlessly in your Crockpot all day. Hearty, flavorful, and easy, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for using up leftover ham or a ham bone.

Ingredients

  • 1 package HamBeens® 15 BEAN SOUP® (seasoning packet reserved)

  • 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock

  • 1 meaty ham bone, ham hock, diced ham, or 1 lb. cooked sausage

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • Hot sauce or red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Directions

  • Prepare the Beans:
  • Rinse the beans thoroughly and drain. Sort through to remove any debris, and set the seasoning packet aside.
  • Combine Ingredients:
  • In a 6-quart Crockpot, add the beans, chicken broth, ham bone (or alternative protein), onion, garlic, and chili powder. Do not add tomatoes or lemon juice yet.
  • Slow Cook:
  • Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7–8 hours, until the beans are tender.
  • Prepare the Ham:
  • Remove the ham bone (if used), chop any remaining meat from the bone, and return it to the Crockpot.
  • Finish the Soup:
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, reserved seasoning packet, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Season and Serve:
  • Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.